| It takes courage and a lot of strength to walk away | | | | Picking up the pieces |
| from anabusive relationship. It takes all you've got to | | | | With children in tow, this task can be daunting. |
| face thechallenge of moving on. Life will never be the | | | | Take the time to map out a plan, chart your |
| same. | | | | courseand explore the possibilities. open to you. |
| It's the beginning of a new battleground. | | | | Youdon't have the time to mope around and brood. |
| Feel the relief of being free from another day of | | | | If you are lucky enough to keep your career |
| fear,anxiety, confusion and at times, helplessness. | | | | throughthose times of turmoil, this is a blessing. |
| Theroad ahead is promising, remember this. It has to | | | | Lingering fear |
| bebetter than what you left behind. | | | | Restraining orders are not enforced at times. There |
| Talk to someone | | | | are knowncases where the abuser catches up with |
| Hopefully, you can find someone who can listen | | | | the estranged partnerwith fatal results. |
| asyou unburden your pain and even confusion. | | | | Sometimes, the only way to ensure your safety is to |
| Don'tbottle it up inside, this is one instance where | | | | moveaway, leaving no trace as to where you are. |
| youwill need a supportive relative or friend. Consider | | | | Loneliness |
| avisit with your family doctor. There are | | | | No doubt, loneliness can be overwhelming at times. |
| communitieswho are equipped with support groups, | | | | This canbe unbearable. For some who did have |
| searchthese out, don't face the aftermath alone. | | | | pleasant memoriesalong with the bad, loneliness can |
| Drawstrength from people who reach out to you. | | | | drive them back into the armsof the man who has |
| Fear, anxiety or panic attacks | | | | betrayed the sacred trust that is love. Donot make |
| Having lived under the cloud of fear, known the | | | | this mistake. It is going back for more pain |
| painand the helplessness of those moments can | | | | andsuffering. |
| leave youshaken up. There will be moments of | | | | The road to healing is open to you. Leave behind |
| anxiety, thesecan last for sometime. | | | | youfeelings of guilt. You have a life to rebuild, pieces |
| Do you find yourself looking over your shoulders? | | | | ofshattered dreams to make whole again. |
| Shadows haunt you. You jump when you hear a | | | | You had the strength to walk away, you will find |
| knockon the door or the telephone ring. You are free | | | | thestrength to rediscover the world of love, peace |
| yetstill feel like a prisoner. Get a grip. You found | | | | andhappiness. It awaits you. |
| yourfreedom. Make it count. | | | | |